We are talking
today with the author of Story Eight: God’s Counterpoints of the One series.
Crystal Linn writes both fiction and non-fiction, as well as being an
award-winning poet. In her story she shares an emotional journey of her husband’s
ordeal with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, a rare form of cancer.
MM: To start things
off Crystal, what inspired you to share this story?
CL: There were so
many people involved and so many miracles preformed that it was incredible.
MM: It was a
harrowing journey, but I was touched how all those people came together right
when you needed them most. I imagine they support you in your writing as well. How
long have you been writing?
CL: I’ve written
all of my life and in the year 2000 decided to get serious about it.
MM: I get your
meaning. It takes a lot of discipline. You and I both know that writing is not
always serious. We have to find outlets for our creativity. What is one of your
writing habits that helps you deal with the work?
CL: I color-code my
writing projects. Yellow is the color for my fiction projects, blue is
for non-fiction, pink is for my children’s projects, purple is for my
journal/memoir-type projects and my poetry projects are multi-colored.
MM: That sounds
fun. Your writing space must be a rainbow even on dreary days! Speaking of your
writing space, I want to get more personal. Can you share something about your
faith that readers can’t get from your story?
CL: My personal
faith has empowered me to overcome many challenges in my life’s journey and has
enabled me to become a better person in all areas of my life.
MM: That is a
common theme in the stories of One. I am always excited to see new aspects of
faith, regardless of religion. Your journey seems to have been filled with many
ups and downs. In the area of writing, who influences you and helps you make it through?
CL: There are so
many that it is difficult to choose.
Agatha Christie wrote more than sixty mystery stories using
only seven or eight basic plot lines, and thirty-some years after her death she
is still a beloved author.
Dick Francis always had some interesting tidbit for the
readers to learn about in addition to the basic
story line. An example is that in one of his
novels he discussed the hostage industry in the Near East.
Mary Higgins Clark began writing novels to support her five
children after the death of her husband.
MM: Those are some
greats. I saw in your bio that you are a big mystery fan, so I’m not surprised
by your choices. Now, who are some of your spiritual influences?
CL: There are so
many that it is difficult to choose.
C. S. Lewis was not afraid to be vulnerable and publicly shared his
struggles in his journey to faith.
Fred Rogers (Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood) was a quiet-spoken, gentle
man with a strong faith. He was not afraid to do something different and, as a
result, had a positive impact on millions of children (and parents) around the
world.
George Mueller spent most of his life without faith and
after he became a Christian he had an unusually strong faith and founded the
most successful orphanage in England where the children were well cared for.
MM: Very good. I
grew up with Narnia and Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood. Definitely some positive
influences. Let’s go behind the curtain. Tell us something about you that is
not in your bio?
CL: I joke that
writing is in my DNA because there were serious writers on both sides of my
family, including Henry Luce, the founder of TIME magazine, and the writer of
“Let your fingers do the walking through the yellow pages.”
MM: That is
exciting. You seem to be enjoying some success as a writer now, so don’t worry
about having big shoes to fill. Maybe you will leave the next marker on the
family writing legacy. You are co-writer of the best-selling series AmishForever with Roger Rheinheimer. What other projects are you involved in right
now?
CL: Like every
passionate writer, I have many projects in the works. I am co-authoring
an Amish romance novel, Amish Forever,
with Roger Rheinheimer. It is an on-line serialized novel and can be purchased
as an e-book from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Roger’s novel, Amish Snow, is a great ‘first’ novel.
A cousin and I are
co-authoring a book together. My first blog
should be up and running within the next month or so.
CL: I’m not sure I
can answer that question as God is respectful and always answers my direct questions,
even when I ask why bad things happen.
MM: So you don’t hold
back? It is great for anyone to have that kind of connection with their diety.
Lastly, if you were a flavor of ice cream, what would it be?
CL: Half vanilla
and half chocolate because vanilla is the most versatile of all flavors; and
chocolate is the most favorite of all flavors.
MM: That suits you.
You are quite versatile in your writing, but also a kind and generous person,
which probably makes you a favorite to many friends and family. Thank you for
taking the time to share with us today, Crystal! Please remember that Crystal is donating a portion of her proceeds to World Concern (http://www.worldconcern.org/).
